by S. E. Smith
“No. Why do you not want me to go to Earth?” Nia asked, lifting her chin.
“I don’t know,” Resig said in exasperation. “I just don’t want you to go.”
“Males,” Nia mumbled, before walking around him. She didn’t get far.
“Fine,” Resig said, blocking Nia’s exit. “Let us mate and make children together. I will give you what devotion I can.”
Nia huffed as she glared at him. “You sound so happy about extending me that offer, Resig.”
Resig frowned. He did not feel happy. He felt desperate. The thought of Nia leaving sent him into a panic.
Nia shook her head. “I decline your offer. I am going to Earth.”
“You… what?” he asked in disbelief.
Nia glared and pulled her arm from his hand. “You offer nothing of real value. I deserve devotion. I deserve to feel joy in my mate’s presence. No female wants to be merely tolerated. I want much, much more.”
“Like what?” Resig asked. “I have no idea what you want.”
Balancing the babe in one arm, Nia used the other to grab Resig. She turned him toward Stark and Topper. Jessica was talking rapidly to her parents, but most of Stark’s focus was on the woman in his arms. Topper, one of the strongest females she’d ever met, was all but weeping in relief that her mate lived. Stark’s profound relief to be alive was obvious in the way he held onto Topper like she had been the one that saved him.
“I want that,” Nia said firmly. “And I will have a mutual devotion like that one day. If not with you, Resig, then it will be your loss that you could not give it to me. As you have so often pointed out, I am young and have a long time left to live. You, General Resig, might not have so much time.”
“Nia…”
Nia let go of him, tucked the babe tighter, and walked off.
Stark said one final goodbye to Polar and then turned to his family. “Let’s go home.”
Resig turned and nodded to the male behind him. Mars smiled and came forward. Stark grinned when he saw Mars was wearing clothes. Naked portal travel had finally been removed from the preparation list. That was one less thing to explain to his now older teenage daughter. Jessica was going to need counseling about males soon, but he would stall for as long as possible.
He was still grinning when turned to Resig. “Despite the risks, I wish to continue the warrior visitations. Instinct tells me this is an important thing to do for both our planets.”
Resig bowed his head. “I am in agreement. You will be satisfied with Lieutenant Mars.”
Stark nodded. “I already am. He was my first choice.” Stark placed his hands on Resig’s shoulders. “It is time for me to leave, my friend. Let’s keep working on a device that will allow us to speak more often. I feel close to solving the time continuum problem. Earth scientists are smarter than they realize. I am able to utilize some of their equipment.”
Resig nodded. “It was good to see you, Stark. I look forward to a calmer visit next time.”
“It was good to be on Glacier for a while,” Stark replied.
He lifted his wrist to create the portal but Resig pushed his arm back down. “I require a moment with Nia.”
Stark turned to where Nia was patiently waiting. “Resig wants to say goodbye, Nia.”
“It is unnecessary,” Nia replied. “Resig and I have said all that needs to be said to each other.”
Resig stepped around his friend. “We have not. I did not properly answer your question.”
“You’ve never answered any of my questions,” Nia replied.
A warning growl rumbled in his chest. Resig narrowed his gaze. Nia reacted to his show of aggression with no more than a small release of breath. It was as if she had become another female in the last week. This version was not fearful of him—not at all.
“Our arguing is tiresome and accomplishes nothing. Must we do this again, Resig?” Nia asked.
“Yes. I do not want you to go to Earth,” Resig said loudly, ignoring the shocked expressions of Stark and his family. He kept his gaze focused on Nia. “I want you to stay here—with me. I want you to be my mate.”
“And I have declined that honor,” Nia repeated.
“Nia—please. Be reasonable.”
Nia lifted her chin. “I consider it reasonable to want what I want. Why don’t you want me to leave?”
Resig opened his mouth and then closed it again. Many logical reasons danced across his mind. “I could make you a very long list.”
Nia crossed her arms. “I have heard many things from that list, General Resig. Any female could fulfill your needs.” She turned to Stark. “If your invitation remains open, I would still like to go with you.”
“I will die of loneliness if you leave,” Resig blurted out.
Nia’s shocked gaze turned to meet his.
Resig nodded and went on. “I can’t imagine not seeing you every day—not being with you at night. No female but you will work. You have to stay, Nia. No, I don’t mean that. I mean—please stay. I’ve been foolish. I wish to make amends.”
Nia closed her eyes. “Once again you are saying everything I want to hear, but you no longer have my trust. I love you, Resig. My heart remains full of you and never has had room in it for any other male. Can you return that in kind?”
Resig stepped close and ran his hands over her arms. “Yes. Stay,” he ordered as ice crystals formed with every brush of his fingers.
Nia looked at his hands on her and gasped. It was a sign from the Goddess.
“I am terrible with words,” Resig whispered. “Before you, I had no need to use them. I never felt like this with anyone else.”
Nia chuckled as her heart softened once more. “That is no excuse, Resig. A man your age should have the courage to speak his emotions. You need to learn the words because your mate deserves hear them. She deserves to hear that the male she adores values her in kind.”
“Will you teach them to me?” Resig asked.
“No,” Nia said with another chuckle.
“No? How can you say no when I am willing to learn?”
Nia reached out and tugged Resig’s shirt until she could reach his mouth. She gave no thought to his warriors or anyone else who was watching. She fastened her lips to his while she laughed at his shock. Instead of pulling away, his arms pulled her close. The action made her feel something she hadn’t felt with Resig in a very long time.
“Today, you have made me feel truly happy. Perhaps there is hope for us after all.”
“So you will stay then?” Resig asked.
“No,” Nia said, easing back from him. “You need some time alone to reflect on what you are offering me. When I return, it will be up to you to convince me to become your mate. I will not settle for less than full joy, Resig.”
Resig lifted a hand to her face. “I fear you will not want to come back if you go.”
Nia smiled. “Release that fear. I look forward to returning now. Will you revert back to your former self while I am gone? This is a question my absence will answer for both of us.”
“I suppose I deserve to suffer,” Resig admitted as he bowed his head in defeat. Then he captured her mouth in a type of possession Stark’s daughter wasn’t ready to witness, but it could not be helped. “Don’t make me come after you, Nia. Your home is on Glacier with me.”
Nodding, Nia put her forehead on his chest, then backed away. “I look forward to you convincing me of your devotion, Resig. I will think of it each day I am gone.”
Resig took her hand and walked her to Stark. He held it out to his friend. “Guard my future mate with your life, Stark.”
Stark smiled and bent low over Nia’s hand. When he raised his head, he winked at Nia before turning to Resig. “I wish you better luck in convincing Nia to mate than Thor is having with my sister. Rime says she is never mating again. I think it’s something in the air on Earth. It has a strange effect on females. It makes them willful and extremely rebellious.”
“Someone is as
king to be turned into a donkey again,” Topper said loudly behind him. “Would you like to see a donkey, Berg? Daddy is a very funny donkey.”
“What’s a donkey?” Resig asked, but no one answered him.
Nia chuckled as she kissed Resig’s cheek. “Pay Stark no mind, Resig. Thor and Priestess Rime are devoted to each other. I’m sure Stark exaggerates about the air on Earth. I will return no more willful than when I left.”
Resig sighed before answering. “After all your changes this week, I am not reassured.”
Nia smiled and bowed her head. “We will speak of children when I return. I would like to have one before I pass a century in age. Will you give me a child, Resig?”
Resig laughed. What else could he do? “I love you, Nia. I plan to give you whatever you want.”
Nia’s pleased laughter went with her as she stepped into the portal. Resig missed her the instant she disappeared.
Stark was famous for attracting females. Resig planned to become known on Glacier for his devotion to his mate. Unfortunately, the most expert male on the subject of females had just left through the portal.
He turned and ran into the chest of the biggest, broadest male he’d ever laid eyes on. The man was definitely a warrior, but he was wearing royal clothes.
“Greetings,” Resig said. “Can I help you?”
The warrior smiled. “It is I who have come to help you, General Resig. I am Goddess Icela’s consort. She said you needed to learn how to properly woo a female. You will find no better teacher than me.”
Resig’s mouth dropped open. Around him, he saw that his warriors were frozen in place. His gaze came back to the royal warrior. He would never refuse any gift from the goddess, no matter how embarrassing. “I accept the gift of your teaching. Will it hurt my pride much?”
The warrior laughed. “I cannot guarantee the fame you wished for, but I can guarantee your female will never long for any other male. Stark only wishes he knew what I know. Of course, every male thinks that highly about himself. Right?”
Resig’s laughter filled the air as his warriors started moving again.
— The End —
A Note from Donna McDonald
Thanks so much for reading the Pets In Space 4 Anthology version of Nothing Remotely Familiar: A Topper Witch Story. Your money was spent for a great cause and I hope my little story made you laugh.
Hi. I’m Donna McDonald. I’m a multi-genre author who writes Romantic Comedy, Science Fiction, and Paranormal Romance. I’ve published over 70 books and about half of those are Sci-Fi based. Even my Paranormal romances have a tiny SFR twist to them.
Why? Because I’m a geek at heart. I’m also a huge fan of all things Science Fiction. Everything I write ends up being Romantic Comedy too so be prepared to laugh when you read my stories.
Humorous Science Fiction? Yes… and I promise you that’s a real thing.
For those of you who are new to the Topper stories, Witch Topper is one of the leading witch characters in SE Smith’s Worlds of Magic, New Mexico Series (formerly a Kindle World).
The premise of her original series mixes Paranormal and SFR elements which is great fun to write. As part of SE’s World, my task was to give Topper an HEA. Topper’s Happily Ever After with her alien hero is now spread across four books. If you’re interested in the others, check out My Crazy Alien Romance series page on my website.
If you liked my story and want to keep hearing from me, you can sign up for my mailing list. I send out a couple emails each month to keep readers updated about new book releases and sales. Once in a while, I also send excerpts of upcoming titles.
Wishing you all kinds of happy reading,
xoxo Donna
About Donna McDonald
Donna McDonald published her first romance novel in March of 2011. Many novels later, she admits to living her own happily ever after as a full-time author.
Her work spans several genres, such as contemporary romance, paranormal, and science fiction.
Humor is the most common element across all her writing. Addicted to making readers laugh, she includes a good dose of romantic comedy in every book.
Contact Donna…
www.donnamcdonaldauthor.com
[email protected]
Also By Donna McDonald
My Crazy Alien Romance
Tangling With Topper
Touching Topper
Timeless Topper
Aliens In Kilts
Matchmaker Abduction
Nate’s Fated Mate
Shades Of Darcone
Cyborgs: Mankind Redefined
Peyton 313
Kingston 691
Marcus 583
Eric 754
Nano Wolves
Ariel
Brandi
Heidi
Regine Abel - Doom
Xian Warriors Series
The Battle for Earth has begun.
Victoria’s dreams of a cozy life as a small town doctor come crashing down when the monstrous Kryptids make first contact. The alien invaders have only one goal: to turn Earth into a breeding ground. As she fights to protect her patients in their makeshift hospital, an even more fearsome alien and his beast enter the fray. She should be terrified of the male ominously named Doom. But she’s mesmerized.
As a genetically engineered war machine, Doom lives for a single purpose: eradicating the Kryptids. Coming to Earth with his brothers to save the humans should be a straightforward matter. But years of bloody battles throughout the galaxy have not prepared him for the fiery Victoria. Enchanted by the courage of that wisp of a woman, Doom offers her his protection and that of his fearless war beast, Stran, as she attempts to rescue other wounded humans. After disaster strikes their homeworld, the Xian Warriors now also face extinction.
Will the Kryptids finally defeat their only real threat, or will the delicate human that has stolen both of Doom’s hearts also be the Warriors’ seed of hope?
Prologue
Victoria
Today, we made first contact …. Earth will never be the same.
What scientists at first thought to be a mammoth asteroid on a collision course with Earth, turned out to be a series of space vessels following in the wake of what we all assumed to be a mothership.
Excitement, awe, and fear swept through every nation, worldwide. The prophets of doom quickly took to the streets, clamoring for all to repent for the hour of retribution had finally come. The alien groupies began organizing welcoming parties. The paranoid and trigger-happy demanded Earth’s militaries perform a pre-emptive strike. Weapon sales spiked overnight, most shops running out of stock within hours. The same occurred with grocery stores, all non-perishable foods and bottled water flying off the shelves in a blink. Those who had bunkers hunkered down. Many among those without fled the populated areas to wait out the potential storm in isolation where they’d be less likely to draw unwanted attention.
And our governments? Well, they did the political thing and called on people to remain calm, instigated curfews where rioting occurred, and prepared for the worst behind the scenes.
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to realize something smelled funky. I’d always been an avid sci-fi and fantasy addict, from movies, to TV series, to books, and everything else in between. Before my acceptance to med school, I’d even been involved in some serious cosplaying. With my fiery hair, I’d impersonated Jean Grey, the Black Widow, Mystique, and Red Sonja, to name a few. But as excited as I felt at the thought of first contact, I couldn’t believe the aliens would come with such a massive fleet just to say ‘howdy.’
According to scientists, they had just suddenly appeared—halfway between Mars and Earth. No wormholes had been seen, leading many to speculate they’d somehow ‘dropped out of warp’ or something. At their current speed, they would reach Earth’s orbit within three hours, a mere two days after they were first noticed—two days during which my world had turned to complete chaos.
As a
young doctor, fresh out of residency, I was on duty at the Sacred Heart Hospital. With all the rioting, stupid car accidents from people attempting to flee town, and shootings from attempted robberies of homes presumed empty, the number of patients being rushed in would soon exceed our capacity.
I wished to be anywhere but here.
My phone rang, startling me, just as I entered the staff room for my long-overdue break. I fumbled to pull it out of my white medical jacket pocket, always filled with way too much stuff, although all of it useful.
“Hey Mom,” I answered, recognizing the ringtone.
“Victoria, sweetie, are you all right?” her beloved voice asked. “Are you still at the hospital?”
“Yes, Mom. I’m finally taking my break, but there was another riot on the south bank. Five ambulances have been dispatched. Between them and the walk-ins, I don’t see myself being released any time soon.”
“You should be home with your father and me,” Mother said with an assertiveness I’d never heard from her before. “I know we’ve raised you to be a responsible young woman. You have a duty to the hospital, and we couldn’t be prouder of you. But this whole alien thing doesn’t feel right. If things go belly up, we should be together as a family. Your sister and her husband are on their way.”
My throat tightened with resurfacing fears I’d kept at bay by burying myself in my work. I nodded absentmindedly at Johann, one of the surgeons on her way to prep for another shooting victim. I wanted to go home … badly. If this truly was Armageddon, I wanted to be with my family, not elbow-deep in the blood of fools seeking the first excuse to stir up trouble.
“You know I want nothing more than to come home,” I said, not even trying to hide the slight tremor in my voice. “But this isn’t just about duty, Mom. It’s about saving lives—human lives. If I run home to hide, a lot of the patients stacking up in here will die.”